T-Mc Ongotan sank two perfect free throws in the dying moments of the game to give Arellano University the victory against Mapua, 62-58, and the twice-to-beat advantage in Group A of the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament Friday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan City.
Off a sideline inbound, the Chiefs were able to force a turnover and bring Ongotan to the line. With the points differential in mind, where Arellano had to win by four or more points, the Chiefs' star guard was able to coolly convert the bonus shots.
Ongotan finished with 15 points, six rebounds, four steals, and three assists.
The Chiefs extended their win streak to four games, finishing NCAA Season 101 group play with seven wins and six losses.
Elated with how his team rallied in crunchtime, Chiefs head coach Chico Manabat also shared that his team came prepared in any scenario they faced today.
“Actually, we’re manifesting 'yan eh. Prinactice namin lahat 'yung nangyari, kaya sobrang natuwa kami. Actually, may mga iba pa kaming strategy. Mahirap, pero ito, binigay sa amin. Siguro with the right preparation and then the will to finish the game good, 'yun ang pinaka-importante,” Manabat said.
Ongotan finished with 15 points, six rebounds, four steals, three assists, and one block. Meanwhile, Renzo Abiera had 12 points, which included a clutch three-pointer to give Arellano the lead with a minute left.
With all to play for in the fourth, Mapua came out hot, inflicting a 9-0 run led by Cyrus Cuenco, 54-45. Arellano, however, was quick to extinguish the Cardinals' flame, with their own 6-0 run, 54-50.
Big man Drex Delos Reyes was still able to extend the lead in favor of Mapua, 58-53, but a 7-0 Chiefs run came quickly after–highlighted by Abiera’s booming triple to shift the bout towards Arellano, 60-58.
“Thankful ako kay Renzo. Without that three-points na yun–kasi nakita natin last game medyo nag-struggle siya. Ang sabi ko lang sa kanya, take the shot and be yourself. Yung naman yung pinaka-importante,” praised Manabat.
Abiera, despite hitting an all-important shot, still credited his team for encouraging him in the lead up to the big moment.
“Grabe 'yung coaching staff namin. Grabe 'yung tiwala sa amin, grabe yung pagmo-motivate nila sa amin na kahit anong mangyari, dapat stick lang kami sa system, stick lang kami sa defense namin. Basta kung anong mangyari, basta nag-stick lang kami,” stated Abiera.
On the other hand, Delos Reyes led the Cardinals with 13 markers and 10 boards.
With the win, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA was also handed the top spot, while Mapua dropped to third spot and will play Group B No. 2 De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers in the quarterfinals.
Scores:
Arellano 62 - Ongotan 15, Abiera 12, Geronimo 10, Valencia 8, Hernal 4, Libang 4, Demetria 4, Buenaventura 3, Vinoya 2, Acop 0, Cabotaje 0, Camay 0, Langit 0.
Mapua 58 - Delos Reyes 13, Cuenco 9, Gonzales 9, Recto 9, Sapasap 6, Concepcion 5, Escamis 4, Nitura 3, Igliane 2, Callangan 0, Lazarte 0, Ryan 0.
Quarters: 14-20, 25-33, 45-45, 62-58.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
